Zen Studios Smuggles Solo: A Star Wars Story Content Into Pinball FX3 This September

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Zen Studios Smuggles Solo: A Star Wars Story Content Into Pinball FX3 This September

You might wanna buckle up, baby. That’s right, three new tables inspired by Solo: A Star Wars Story™ are landing in our galaxy on September 12, just days ahead of the film’s home entertainment release. Star Wars™ Pinball: Solo Pack includes new digital tables inspired by the film itself and beyond. The pack will be available for download on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam, and Windows 10, while the Zen Pinball and Star Wars Pinball apps will host each table individually on the App Store, Google Play, and Mac.

Star Wars™ Pinball: Solo – It’s the digital pinball table that—for the first time ever in a video game—makes the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs (if you round down). Exciting 3D character and vehicle models roar to life as you relive all your favorite movie scenes from Solo: A Star Wars Story, from the grand Conveyex shipment heist, the speeder chase and piloting the Millennium Falcon, to meeting familiar faces like Lando Calrissian and Chewbacca.

Star Wars™ Pinball: Calrissian Chronicles – Hello, what have we here? Live Lando’s life, from smooth-talking smuggler to Rebel hero who helped destroy the second Death Star. Missions in this table not only base themselves on iconic Lando movie moments, but also on his memorable appearances in Star Wars Rebels™ and Marvel’s Star Wars™ Lando (2015) comic book. More than 15 of Lando’s enemies enter the fray, as well, not to be outdone by team-ups with the likes of Lobot and Han Solo. Unless, of course, sabacc cards are involved—then it’s time to compete directly with Han… “fair and square.”

Star Wars™ Pinball: Battle of Mimban – For the glory of the Empire! Deploy an Imperial army and lead it to victory against the fierce inhabitants of the planet Mimban. There will be no deserters in this rendition of the battle brought to life in Solo: A Star Wars Story where Han Solo met Beckett. And if there are? Feed them to “the beast” in the pit! Then, unleash devastating AT-DT attacks, take on enemy troops on an action-packed mini playfield, dirty things up further with a Mudball Multi-ball and more.

We will be streaming first looks at each table in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for these details.

1. Rolled a star wars machine................ie played over 99 levels and rolled it back to level 1.
2. Rolled Nintendo punch out, several times, same quarter.
3. Played an entire game of dragons lair and completed it and won while blindfolded.

It's not like I expected the tables to come but even the Wii U had more tables then the Switch did and that was a failed console. You would think that Disney would welcome the tables on one of the most popular systems going right now.

Zen should take it to Disney (as I assume that haven't because it's too much trouble) and get the Switch added as it would benefit all parties involved. More exposure for Disney and more money for all involved and happy Switch owners. Win win in my book!

Why so many star wars tables, I own every table, I even bought the last ones but haven't even played them. Do they sell the best or something? I honestly hate star wars, and feel that the newer tables haven't been very good (I only enjoyed Boba Fett and Darth Vader SW tables). Not to mention we get every star wars movie as a table but didn't get the new avengers, deadpool 2, or a second guardians of the galaxy.

We don't have news about the Switch library expanding right now, as soon as we have anything we'll make sure to tell.

What I can say is that Switch support is really important to us, the console gave us a lot of awesome moments with people making use of the vertical mode, building mini cabinets etc., and we found a great new community of players amongst Nintendo owners.

We don't have news about the Switch library expanding right now, as soon as we have anything we'll make sure to tell.

What I can say is that Switch support is really important to us, the console gave us a lot of awesome moments with people making use of the vertical mode, building mini cabinets etc., and we found a great new community of players amongst Nintendo owners.

Throughout history no betterment of change has ever occurred by anyone who just sat back silent and idle. That being said, I have a ps4 as well as a switch so I will be good.

Accomplishments in real life

1. Rolled a star wars machine................ie played over 99 levels and rolled it back to level 1.
2. Rolled Nintendo punch out, several times, same quarter.
3. Played an entire game of dragons lair and completed it and won while blindfolded.

Throughout history no betterment of change has ever occurred by anyone who just sat back silent and idle. That being said, I have a ps4 as well as a switch so I will be good.

I have learned from Zen over the years that this blanket statement is always said when something behind the scenes is being worked on. I could be wrong but I've seen this at least 3 to 4 times being a Nintendo fan.

Things were said in the past and then retracted for whatever reason be it disclosure issues or just not ready to show anything and our hopes get too high when those promises aren't delivered on we come crashing back down.

I have learned from Zen over the years that this blanket statement is always said when something behind the scenes is being worked on. I could be wrong but I've seen this at least 3 to 4 times being a Nintendo fan.

Things were said in the past and then retracted for whatever reason be it disclosure issues or just not ready to show anything and our hopes get too high when those promises aren't delivered on we come crashing back down.

That doesn't sound anything like me at all

Accomplishments in real life

1. Rolled a star wars machine................ie played over 99 levels and rolled it back to level 1.
2. Rolled Nintendo punch out, several times, same quarter.
3. Played an entire game of dragons lair and completed it and won while blindfolded.

Well, these tables look to be up the the great standards of Zen Studios. That's a compliment! But, I have to say, I am so burned ot on Star Wars that I didn't even see this film. The Universal classics and Jurassic were good stuff, but the best FX 3 releases truly are SOZ and Adventureland... their own designs. I sound like a broken record on this. I know they feel the need to put alot of effort into their licenses, but frankly, any more Star Wars tables are probably going to diminish the awesomeness of all the tables you guys have made with the Star Wars theme already. I loved LAst Jedi and the Island tables, but it's gonna take a pretty good sale for me to get any more SW. Put out some more original ones. We got the great Castlestorm and Wild West years ago, and after a long wait, we got the amazing Zues and Adventureland. And in the interim of all this time, a zillion licenses. Zzzzzz

Well, these tables look to be up the the great standards of Zen Studios. That's a compliment! But, I have to say, I am so burned ot on Star Wars that I didn't even see this film. The Universal classics and Jurassic were good stuff, but the best FX 3 releases truly are SOZ and Adventureland... their own designs. I sound like a broken record on this. I know they feel the need to put alot of effort into their licenses, but frankly, any more Star Wars tables are probably going to diminish the awesomeness of all the tables you guys have made with the Star Wars theme already. I loved LAst Jedi and the Island tables, but it's gonna take a pretty good sale for me to get any more SW. Put out some more original ones. We got the great Castlestorm and Wild West years ago, and after a long wait, we got the amazing Zues and Adventureland. And in the interim of all this time, a zillion licenses. Zzzzzz

It all comes down to money. I have no idea how much Zen have made from the Star Wars/ Marvel licenses, but I'm willing to bet it was significant. As long as they have the rights to make Star Wars tables, they'll probably continue to pump them out, regardless of userbase burn out.

Well, these tables look to be up the the great standards of Zen Studios. That's a compliment! But, I have to say, I am so burned ot on Star Wars that I didn't even see this film. The Universal classics and Jurassic were good stuff, but the best FX 3 releases truly are SOZ and Adventureland... their own designs. I sound like a broken record on this. I know they feel the need to put alot of effort into their licenses, but frankly, any more Star Wars tables are probably going to diminish the awesomeness of all the tables you guys have made with the Star Wars theme already. I loved LAst Jedi and the Island tables, but it's gonna take a pretty good sale for me to get any more SW. Put out some more original ones. We got the great Castlestorm and Wild West years ago, and after a long wait, we got the amazing Zues and Adventureland. And in the interim of all this time, a zillion licenses. Zzzzzz

I’m with you on the Star Wars burn out and not even having seen Solo. Also I think original Zen designed tables are usually some of the best. That said, I can understand why they do more licensed stuff and don’t blame them for doing so. I’d be willing to bet that the non licensed tables are their worst sellers, not because of their quality, but just because a license brings in all of us who are Pinball die hards and just want new tables as well as players who wouldn’t necessarily be pinball players otherwise but are huge fans of whatever the licensing is for. Adventure Time is an awesome table for instance, but I doubt there’s a huge pool of Carnival/State Fair nuts out there to bolster that table’s sales past those gotten from the regular pinball playing community.

As far as licenses go, I’d much rather see more Marvel tables than more Star Wars tables, as I think the themes differ more from character to character in Marvel than in the Star Wars ones. But I also have a Switch, so right now I’d most like to see anything that will make it onto Switch as well. I got the Switch in part to replace my Vita for portable Zen Pinball, but Switch not getting these licensed tables has kind of killed that. I’m in a league, so I’ve got to buy new tables to compete. So even if they do eventually come to Switch I’d need to then rebuy them, which I’m not big on.

Hey, Tech. Yeah, they’re both based on Facebook, but they’re also both mostly PlayStation based, one entirely so, so if you just have Switch you’d be mostly out of luck. The one that allows Switch play if the weekly table(s) are available on Switch is:https://m.facebook.com/groups/216402...66&ref=m_notif

Just realizing that Sept. 12 is Wednesday and most PS4 titles release on Tues. Is this release date correct?

Accomplishments in real life

1. Rolled a star wars machine................ie played over 99 levels and rolled it back to level 1.
2. Rolled Nintendo punch out, several times, same quarter.
3. Played an entire game of dragons lair and completed it and won while blindfolded.

Hi cantankerous! Yes, you can see the release details in McLovin's post:

"That’s right, three new tables inspired by Solo: A Star Wars Story™ are landing in our galaxy on September 12, just days ahead of the film’s home entertainment release. Star Wars™ Pinball: Solo Pack includes new digital tables inspired by the film itself and beyond. The pack will be available for download on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam, and Windows 10, while the Zen Pinball and Star Wars Pinball apps will host each table individually on the App Store, Google Play, and Mac."

Hi cantankerous! Yes, you can see the release details in McLovin's post:

"That’s right, three new tables inspired by Solo: A Star Wars Story™ are landing in our galaxy on September 12, just days ahead of the film’s home entertainment release. Star Wars™ Pinball: Solo Pack includes new digital tables inspired by the film itself and beyond. The pack will be available for download on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam, and Windows 10, while the Zen Pinball and Star Wars Pinball apps will host each table individually on the App Store, Google Play, and Mac."

What impact will the Williams tables have on the future of original Zen tables?I'm including all the license tables, for example the new Solo tables, since they all are original designs from the ground up and not copies/simulations.Will the output of original Zen designs decrease?Are the Williams tables supposed to take their place in the future?As much as i like the addition of the Williams tables, they would not be worth it if it is to the detriment of future original Zen tables.Sure hope that is not the case and we still have a lot of original Zen designs to look forward to.

What impact will the Williams tables have on the future of original Zen tables?I'm including all the license tables, for example the new Solo tables, since they all are original designs from the ground up and not copies/simulations.Will the output of original Zen designs decrease?Are the Williams tables supposed to take their place in the future?As much as i like the addition of the Williams tables, they would not be worth it if it is to the detriment of future original Zen tables.Sure hope that is not the case and we still have a lot of original Zen designs to look forward to.

They did mention there are already Zen originals planed for early Next year. With a team of about 40, they will focus on licensed, williams/bally and their own. At least from what I've read.

They did mention there are already Zen originals planed for early Next year. With a team of about 40, they will focus on licensed, williams/bally and their own. At least from what I've read.

That is cool but those tables probably have been in the pipeline for awhile.As said, i hope that once Zen really gets going with the Williams tables that the original tables won't take the backseat.I guess only time will tell for sure but it would be nice to hear a clear official statement on how the table plans are.

1. Rolled a star wars machine................ie played over 99 levels and rolled it back to level 1.
2. Rolled Nintendo punch out, several times, same quarter.
3. Played an entire game of dragons lair and completed it and won while blindfolded.

So I purchased the table pack on PS4 an hour ago. It says installed, but I can't download the tables. There are bouncy arrows next to the tables, but I don't see any active downloads. Any suggestions?

You need the demo table pack and the unlock key. So, two files to download. I had to close the application before it would allow me to play after installing both files.

Accomplishments in real life

1. Rolled a star wars machine................ie played over 99 levels and rolled it back to level 1.
2. Rolled Nintendo punch out, several times, same quarter.
3. Played an entire game of dragons lair and completed it and won while blindfolded.

I only got the add-on pack. No demo pack. No idea how to get this.
What do I do?

There are two files. If you dont purchase it then its a demo, but if you purchase it you get the add-on and the key. You could just go to your downloads and reinstall both files.

Accomplishments in real life

1. Rolled a star wars machine................ie played over 99 levels and rolled it back to level 1.
2. Rolled Nintendo punch out, several times, same quarter.
3. Played an entire game of dragons lair and completed it and won while blindfolded.

Can someone from zen help me?
I purchased the table pack, same as always. My paypal account was charged, and I got the confirmation email from Sony Playstation.
The 1.1 MB add-on was downloaded and installed. However, there was no second (demo) file like there usually is.
When I go to play the table in the main screen, there are bouncy arrows next to the table icons, indicating that the tables need to be downloaded. But, when I push X to proceed, I can not download anything.
I don't see any active downloads, and nothing that I can see to reinstall the files.
I have restarted the PS4 3 times.
Please help.
Thanks

Dude, just go back to the store. The file will be there. No one from Zen will be here till tomorrow morning.

I have experienced this same issue in the past.

Accomplishments in real life

1. Rolled a star wars machine................ie played over 99 levels and rolled it back to level 1.
2. Rolled Nintendo punch out, several times, same quarter.
3. Played an entire game of dragons lair and completed it and won while blindfolded.

Awesome. Sorry if it sounded like I was getting frustrated. It's cause I was. lol

Accomplishments in real life

1. Rolled a star wars machine................ie played over 99 levels and rolled it back to level 1.
2. Rolled Nintendo punch out, several times, same quarter.
3. Played an entire game of dragons lair and completed it and won while blindfolded.

The Solo table is very interesting and can lead to pretty high scores IMO especially with the Multi-ball that you have to start by capturing it then hit the captured ball. Modes are easy to start once you get used to the shot to light the letters and then do the mode. I really like this table because of the moving targets that requires timing and accuracy. All modes require hitting lanes and ramps that lit in random order. Appreciate this table as it felt better than the last SW pack.

Calrissian table I like too. Scenes start by shooting the sinkhole 3 times. You can pick which ones to start. Another table that I think requires accurate shots which I love. Seems harder than solo but I still haven't got the feel for the table yet.

The last table - Battle for ???? Is ok. This is a table I have had less time with. I thought I'd like it better than the above 2 but didn't. It reminded me too much of Jurassic Park Pinball Mayhem. I think you shoot the blue-lit lanes several times and go into the sinkhole just below the bumpers when it appears. There are several modes started this way but couldn't pinpoint what each does.

Because it had a wizard mode achievement, I started out with Lando’s table. I’ve beaten it twice now and I like it quite a bit. The gameplay can get pretty hectic at times, mostly because of all those pop-up targets. I also (and always) appreciate the fact that the missions are easy and fast to start up.

The table is more ambitious than Jurassic World but less so than Aliens. Of course I haven’t seen everything the table’s got to offer yet but so far, I haven’t come across any FX essential for gameplay that wouldn’t be possible to recreate on a real life table. (Typical for a Crofts design.) I haven’t worked on strategies yet but I like the fact that you can use multi ball during (all?) the missions. I do feel he could have done more with the cross ramp. It’s somewhat underused. And the wizard mode celebration is a bit of an anti- climax. Especially after all the fireworks on Adventure Land.

The left outlane definitely bumps up the difficulty level. It wouldn’t be out of place on a real life table either. I tried backhanding the pop-up targets with my left flipper up, even after the shot, to try to keep the ball away from the left corner but it ain’t easy. Wall nudging is hard too.

Which forced me to come up with a very strange strategy for beating the table. I haven’t played the classic mode yet but I used the Rewind wizard power in normal single player basically as a left kick back.

I also found that bang backs from the right outlane are remarkable easy, especially compared to bang backs from the left, which are almost impossible. Crofts can always step in to correct me, but I really think this is intentional. So I basically ended up ignoring the ‘normal’ kick backs altogether

I’m really burned out on the Star Wars theme too but it’s still a fun table for me.
So cheers Crofts!

btw
I recorded my second playthrough. It’s quite chaotic and I’m not very good at the table yet but maybe it can help some players having difficulty with the achievement…Good luck!

Thanks for the mini 'review' and glad you seemed to enjoy the table It was also nice to watch a video of the table where someone actually uses a bit of skill from time to time

Yeah, the Smuggle Run Multiball can be started any time apart from during the Skill Shot.

I actually found bang backs were easier to do from the left outlane - so it's not really something which was intentionally designed. Several people have complained the left outlane in particular is too harsh, so it's something we may tweak, as again, it wasn't supposed to be quite so unforgiving.

Although I had lots of fun with it, I agree that the left outlane could probably use a nerf with the classic mode in mind
Strange that you have less problems with bang backs from the left than from the right though. For me, it really is the exact opposite.

I’m still enjoying the table. With the missions beaten, I’m now searching for the best way to score.

PS4
The Star Wars Solo trial tables are not working anymore, as they did previously. With the arrival of Williams "comin soon" tables, the Solo trial tables went back to "comin soon" status as well. Makes me wonder if anyone actually considers buying them when their trial version isn't even working. Hopefully their status is reverted when the Williams tables arrive.

Although I had lots of fun with it, I agree that the left outlane could probably use a nerf with the classic mode in mind
Strange that you have less problems with bang backs from the left than from the right though. For me, it really is the exact opposite.

I’m still enjoying the table. With the missions beaten, I’m now searching for the best way to score.

Thanks for the hard work & the reply

That left outlane is horrible and seemingly a ball magnet, couple that with the fact the kickback is hard to start makes that table way more frustrating than necessary.

Accomplishments in real life

1. Rolled a star wars machine................ie played over 99 levels and rolled it back to level 1.
2. Rolled Nintendo punch out, several times, same quarter.
3. Played an entire game of dragons lair and completed it and won while blindfolded.

Kudos for Solo table and a bit of a strategy guide

I have played no form of Zen pinball properly for at least 3 years and none since last year. With Williams tables announcement and the shocking realization I can play it on my Mac, I decided to check out the Mac version, and it works like a bomb! Under the Zen Pinball 2 (Mac) forum I wrote a post about key features missing in this version (which Zen has sadly not responded to yet ).

I also realised that Zen released all the new FX3 tables on Mac and have purchased a few. I like to play one table at a time until I master it before moving on the next. I feel it gives you the best chance to build the muscle memory required to hit your shots at will.

I'm playing Solo and don't know if it is because I haven't played in such a long time or if it is just a great table, but I'm enjoying it immensely. The table is difficult but rewards accuracy and systematic and strategic play and has the potential to deliver massive scores by just playing through all the modes and the wizard mode with well-planned jackpot increases and multipliers. I'm have reached scene 8 once but had to rush so fluffed it. I'm looking forward to completing the wizard mode and to score a billion plus score. This table invites you to do so much more than many of the others. Well done to Zoltan Vari for putting such a clever and engaging table together.

Here is a bit of a preliminary strategy guide to approaching the table. If I have time and have mastered the table better, I will put a more detailed one together. If my systematic approach to playing interests you and for some other strategy guides for older tables where I use it to specifically reach and beat the wizard mode, follow my signature. Fantastic 4 has a somewhat similar approach to this one so look at that one first.

Magna save
- If you want to get anywhere on this table, you must first build your accuracy and muscle memory for the two main lanes so you can hit them rhythmically and activate the Magna save at will. This is your only recourse for saving balls going down the outlines as the table does not have kickbacks.
- You can stack up to three Magna saves, so activate at least two before you play the scenes. The only scene which I will attempt while building up the second Magna save is Scene 6 - A proper ship, as it will activate along the way and you can try to complete it with minimal risk.
- As soon as you lose one of the Magna saves in normal play, focus on activating it again.
- If you are in the middle of a scene, don't abandon the scene if you lose one of the Magna saves. If you lose the second one, cradle the ball and let the timer run out or if it is already possible, work at activating the Magna saves again until you have two again.

Suggested first scene
- Once you have at least two magna saves, I would start with Scene 5 - Conveyex Robbery (unless you activate another scene on the way). It is easy and once you complete it and defeat the Enfys Nest Marauders, an extra ball is available. This is the easiest extra ball to achieve for me at this stage. I'm still trying to get the right combination sequence to light the combo extra ball.

If you are not used to this approach to playing, this might seem tedious, but trust me, if you ever want to score big and complete wizard modes, this is the typical mindset you need to adopt.

Last edited by Cloda; 10-11-2018 at 10:02 PM.
Reason: Own thread created